Chapter 2 Successor

CHAPTER 2

|| LORENZO's POV ||

My eyes traveled into the crowd, spotting Leonardo with his newly wedded wife. They both looked like a perfect match. One was beauty without a brain and the one, ugly with a criminal mind. They married six months ago at a backyard wedding. Leonardo's wife was the only daughter of his father hence the family business fell under Leonardo's observation.

I knew his mother had planned for that woman since his son could not build his own business. It was expected of them and now, they were targeting the King's empire. I wasn't going to let this happen at any cost. It was my right, my legacy.

The host's excited voice pulled my attention back on stage,

" Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Mr.Arnaldo King."

The crowd clapped thunderously, welcoming the man who had never paid attention to me. He wore a grey suit today. Even in his early sixties, he walked with that dominating aura. His presence brought a stiff aura to the party as he climbed onto the stage, facing the crowd. His second wife followed him closely, setting a plastic smile on her face. I knew her real face for a long time but she was too good at hiding. I remember the day when I ran to my father to tell him that I saw her, giving money to strangers. He didn't believe me a bit instead I was slapped hard in front of servants. From that day, I believed that I was no longer important in his life.

Nana held onto my arms tightly. I could feel her tense muscles. I knew that she was worried about me. Even though Leonardo was also her grandson logically, she never accepted that family. My mother was like a daughter to her. Her demise left a great impact on her mentally. She wanted me to have all the rights that I deserved. I hated to become the reason behind her stress and did everything to make her happy. Nana was already too old and didn't deserve this mental pressure due to her poor health.

My father held the microphone in his hands, staring and smiling at the crowd to maintain his perfect man face. His voice bounced against the top walls, pitchy and clear as he spoke through the speaker,

" Thank you, thank you for coming everyone. It has been a glorious year for me to see the pinnacle of success of our company. I know, you all are anticipating the next successor in my position and I have something to declare about that today. But let me begin with that I am proud of both of my sons. I believe that they can work together to make King a better Enterprise. But I have a lifetime plan for this business. So I wish to confess that my position will be shifted to my son who is the first junior successor of this family so that I can die in peace. Now, the answer only depends on the future as one of them is still unmarried. No more questions today. Please enjoy!"

" He did on purpose, Nana!  He knew that I wouldn't be fucking married ever let alone have a child!", I slammed the glass down, breaking it into pieces. The announcement shocked all of us to death. I could guess that it was that witch's plan. She knew that her son wouldn't be chosen by his father ever. Hence, she played this cheap trick to snatch the empire from me. Leonardo was already with his wife and they could try for the baby anytime. But I had none not along with a girlfriend and marriage, love was out of my subject.

Luka and Nana exchanged meaningful glances as they had nothing to console me. They were equally shocked like me. A successor? A grandson? Does this man want to rule for eternity?

Luka came behind me, placing his hand on my shoulder,

" Calm down, Lo. We will find a way."

Nana finally spoke, marching through space,

" I should have guessed it from the beginning. That bitch has played this trick. She knows that you don't want to get married. How did I give birth to this moron son? He can't even notice her actions. Pity!"

I blurted, my chest falling up and down in rage,

" I am not going to tolerate this man. I am going to fucking tell this man how his wife is."

Nana stopped, blocking my path with a sullen expression,

" That won't work, Lo. You tried it already. You will be misjudged again."

Luka agreed to come to my side,

" Nana is right, Lo. I think you should get married fast."

" No way!", I shouted instantly, dragging my feet to the other side of the window. I had lost my faith in love. Love is now a toxic thing for me. There is no such thing called love except wanting and personal needs to me.

The room fell silent and Nana finally suggested, walking behind me to put her hand on my back,

" Lo, why don't we try calling Nina once?"

" Never, Nana!", I shouted back, jerking away from my hand. In a flash of moments, my memory drifted back to the bitter memories that I buried long inside my mind. Turning around, I continued speaking, laughing out loud bitterly,

" Do you think that she will return because I need someone to marry now? No, Nana! She left me for her precious career. How can you even think that she will bear a child for me?"

Nana looked away, hiding her tears. Only she understood the pain inside me. After building my happiness, it was hard to move on with my life.

The room went silent again and all I could hear was my heavy breaths. Memories were hitting me hard and I no longer wanted to have this conversation. My eyes found Luka who was staring at me pityingly. I mumbled, heading for the doorway,

" Let's get some fresh air tonight, Luka.”